Trekforce Worldwide

Nepal Annapurna Trek Update

2009-06-08T14:31:00.001+01:00

So after our inspiring week staying with the families in Chitwan, the group split, with about half travelling back to Kathmandu to commence the Everest Trek; while the others travel to Pochura for the start of the Annapurna Trail. After a week of 100% Dhal Bhat, the Annapurna crew got stuck in to some overdue Western style eating and shopping, even managing to squeeze in a very English picnic in the middle of a road island. Very scenic indeed. Before leaving the comforts of tourist town, the group began to mentally prepare for the trekking ahead.The first day of trekking was relatively simple, in respect that the direction of travel wasn't continually upwards. Even the hot, midday sun was defeated with a 'mountain fresh' dip in the glacier river. After several hours walking we pulled up to the tea house where we would retire. After a sweat-busting shower, the group gathered to play cards. Next day was literally the stairway to heaven. With the direction up, up, up; the day was a definate thigh and bum muscle workout. General chat and singing did make the day pass. However the thought of bed and Nepalease tea more than spurred most on. Now at our highest altitude so far, the group manged to pull together for a 4am start, where we would travel up Poon Hill to get a spectacular, panoramic sunrise view of the Annapurna range. Unfortunately, the British weather crept in, but even with some cloud on the horizon, it was still well worth the extra effort. Little did we know it wasn't the early start that had this day marked; but the ongoing battle against the leeches. Though only several centimetres long, they proved more than mighty enough to make these hard-worn trekkers squirm!The group will contine for several more days in order to reach Annapurna Base Camp, and already we have seen numerous ecosystems and cultures of these mountainous regions. Who's to say what will await in the upcoming days?

By Rob McCormick

09B3 (9-14 May) - Completion of Xunantunich boundary & Elijio Panti Mayan ceremony and project

2009-06-01T12:45:00.002+01:00

The group has now completed their first project! A 10 foot wide, 6 kilometer circular boundary and fire-break around the excavated ancient Mayan city site: Xunantunich (‘Stone lady’). We started our last day of cutting the boundary as a well-oiled machete and raking caterpillar-machine (6 days of ‘hardcore gardening’ graft has turned the group in physical warriors) and after just an hour of cutting the last 700 meters the boundary was complete! We trekked back along the entire length of boundary (GPS-ing and mapping as we went) as a lap of honor and to congratulate ourselves on just how much we’d cut. Further celebration involved a final session of temple-top yoga on the park Catillo overlooking the surrounding jungle, an early ‘proper’ wash, being transported across the river one-by-one in a homemade canoe by two very helpful local chaps (we’d missed the last cable ferry) and some well earned food and drink in town.

A brief stop at field base in San Ignacio allowed the group to wash/burn their sweat, mud and blood encrusted kit, count their bites /splinters/cuts (and treat them) and relax before embarking on our next project: cutting a 20km northern boundary to the Elijio Panti National Park.

We were happy to return to our original base where we’d been both jungle trained, and enchanted by the beautiful jungle and incredible cascade waterfall system (not to mention the palatial visitor centre, Palapas, water-fall camp, toilet block, steps and changing facilities built by previous Trekforce expeditions to encourage sustainable eco-tourism within the park).

Recently a Mayan man from Punta Gorda experienced an intense vision essentially involving a giant eagle taking him to a cave where within lay hundred of piles of slain jungle animals. A healer of the animals told him of the slaughter and waste of precious animal life by human hunters and unsustainable greed, as well as teaching him how Mayan ceremonies should be conducted (using the finest natural offerings blessed and offered to the Mayan Gods in a specific way). The significance of this vision has resonated through the Mayan community in Belize and so, the ‘master’ and his entourage of family and community are travelling every Mayan site in Belize to conduct an offering ceremony and teach each local Mayan community this particular method.

Out of respect, we offered to retreat elsewhere and allow their two day ceremony to commence, but were collectively humbled by the Mayan groups kindness and warmth. We shared our camp, we watched the gathering of the offerings (a rainbow of natural products including huge beeswax candles, cacao, coffee, a rooster, a chicken, incense and a wide array of natural foods – all arranged beautifully on Bay and Cahun leaf alter, we were gently told “you eat what we eat, you drink what we drink, we are part of all the same family for this time”. Once the offerings had been prepared, the entire group (including the Punta Gorda Mayan group, Antonio - our beloved park warden, the heads of the Mayan society ITZAMNA and us) assembled and briefed, and had midnight come: the ceremony began in earnest.

We knelt and silently watched the Mayan group as they knelt and simultaneously, individually prayed aloud to Chac (the Mayan rain God) at the altar. Once the master had completed his prayer, the group blessed the offerings with chanting and the swirling of wonderful smelling incense pots around the alter in a continuous circle. We each participated in the blessing, before the offerings were carefully packed and the entire group formed silent line starting at the altar.

The Master then led us a kilometer or so to a huge cave which had been pre-selected as appropriate to make the offering and decorated with leaves. The Mayan group entered the cave (some barefooted!) with us close behind. 12 pounds of natural incense were then placed in a stone wall high on one wall and set alight. This created a raging fire consisting of huge six-foot cords of flame which coiled upwards around one another while producing clouds of black smoke. The fire, smoke and its effect on the cave’s bats (understandable mad swooping and squeaking) added to the already other-worldly feel of the night.

The master then dug a deep hole and the offerings were carefully laid within and covered, before five of the huge beeswax candles were arranged in a cross with the centre candle (placed directly above the offerings) representing the centre of the Mayan universe. We then again silently copied the Mayans as they each light a small candle from one of the large cross candles and knelt and to pray allowed. We think they were imploring Chac to accept the offerings, to send rain, protect Mayan sites and all jungle animals and plants and understand that the vision had been understood and is being acted upon.

Eventually the praying individually subsided and the group each sat in silence with their candle mounted on the cave wall until the fire burnt all the incense. This part of the ceremony is intended to allow each present to contemplate their concerns and request guidance from Chac. Each of our group used the hour and a half or so, to both gaze in dumb-struck wonder at the candle cross, the mounted wall candles and raging cracking fire lighting up the cave, and to have our own personal ruddy good think.

Once the fire burnt away, the mood instant became celebratory and the Mayan group chattered and laughed as we all headed back up to camp to enjoy a feast of natural sweet coffee and chicken soup. It was a night no one will forget.

The next day we were allowed a hammock lie-in and then just a light day of trekking and surveying some of the boundary to be cut. The terrain was very different to Xunantunich. At Elijio Panti the jungle is high high, rugged, mountainous terrain, but although we could all see we were in for a physical challenge, we were suitably motivated by the ceremony and began cutting in earnest the very next day.

Update from Nepal

2009-05-28T14:57:00.006+01:00

After 3 weeks in Nepal, I think all of the group are shocked at how quickly our time here is going. We have nearly finished our time in Rampur and soon the group will be splitting. half of the group are trekking to Annapurna base camp whilst the rest are heading for Everest Base Camp.

It seems like a long time ago that we were all meeting up for the first time in Kathmandu. A couple of us arrived a day early, whilst half of the group arrived a day late after very nearly landing in Kathmandu (the pilot missed the landing and they were forced to turn back to Delhi). They made it to Kalanki in the end though and dived straight into their Nepali lessons with Keshos enthusiastic chanting - we were woken up every morning with Shuva Bihani, Shuva Bihani. We spent the first week in Kathmandu, learning Nepali in the mornings, and sight seeing in the afternoon. highlights included exploring Thamel (and counting how many times we were offered tiger balm and hashish) visiting Patan and going to see the monkey temple. The group also spent the night in Lamater: Colin skived off with man flu so it was up to the rest of us to show off our dance moves after being treated to a show of Nepali traditional dancing. The next morning, we went hill walking which was hardwork but good practise for our upcoming treks. Worryingly Harriet seemed to be showing signs of altitude sickness....after 15 minutes of walking. Luckily she made a good recovery and was able to join us for noodles when we got to the top.

We spent one more night in Kathmandu staying in the Yeti Guest House in Thamel. That was the night of Nicks 21st and the group showed you can still organise a good party in just one afternoon in Kathmandu. Everyone had a really good evening, eating far too much food (mainly different variations on the Roadhouse special Pizza!) But everyone still managed to have room for birthday cake as well (the group was stocking up due to the impending dhaal Bhaat overload that was inevitable during our week long home stay). The evening ended by surprising Nick with a very special 21st birthday gift.....walking poles!! At least we know that it is something that he can use.

The next day we travelled to Chitwan, our drive was broken up by a three hour rafting trip. Some of us spent more time in the water than in the boat, thanks to our over- enthusiastic guide. We all did our best to stay in the boats during the rapids. Tim, impressively managed to hold on despite being swept overboard, but Jenny was less fortunate and ended up taking a swim. It was good fun though, and by the end Rob and Andy had given up on the boats and abadoned ship during the final rapids.

The group enjoyed the next few days in Sauraja whilst sharing ensuite bathrooms was the main highlight for many. We also had fun watching the sunset over the river, stalking the great jungle chicken, spotting Rhinos whilst riding our elephants and visiting the first baby twin elephants in Nepal. We were also treated to some Kama Sutra lessons from a pair of frisky teenage elephants.

All too soon we had to leave the comfort of our lodges in Chitwan and make our way to Rampur to meet our host families. It was a nerve racking time as we were led off in pairs to the houses that would be our homes during the stay. But having lived with our host families for a week now we all settled in and will be very sad to leave. We have all stuggled to make conversations with our limited Nepali attempted (and failed) to decling 2nd helping of Dhaal Bhaat, and made many trips into Rampur to supplement the Dhaal Bhaat diet with double butterscotch cones. We have also had great fun volunteering; whether is was causing chaos in the orphanage, trying to control the chaos in the classrooms or trying to recover with some theraputic digging in the nursery. So although there have been difficulties (dealing the sweltering heat, the intermittent power and the endless supply of dhaal Bhaat) we will be taking away with us many priceless memories. For some of us taking 23 children to Rampur for ice creams tops the list and for others the sports day we organised.

So even though we are sad to be leaving the kids in Rampur we are looking forward to starting our treks. We all know it is going to be tough but heopefully we will be able to distract each other with conversation which will revolve, as it has done for the past 3 weeks, around food, bowel movements and the thickness of our mattresses.

09B2 Blog #2 - Project work at Xunantunich by Caroline

2009-05-22T15:19:00.001+01:00

With bleary eyes after a wild night at fieldbase, we headed out to Xunantunich (Mayan for ‘Stone Lady’), an ancient Mayan temple complex. Our mission at Xunantunich was to clear the boundary of the 56 acre site, in order to help prevent wildfires damaging the site and to enable the Belizean Defence Force (BDF) to protect the temples and surrounding jungle from hunters, loggers and other ‘baddies’. We set up camp, clearing areas for bashas and communal areas with our machetes - a small taster of the days to come. The camp was situated next to the BDF residence where they strolled the perimeter by day and played dominoes late into the night.

After a night of paranoia and suspicion from the usual suspect (Luke) we ventured out to walk the park boundary under the guidance of Marcus (a park warden) and 3 armed BDF soldiers. This escort seemed excessive to begin with, but turned out to be a vital part of our troupe when we came across a couple of men on horseback, who were initially feared to be Guatemalan banditos! Luckily they turned out to be Belizean hunters, who were given a stern ticking off for hunting so close to the park boundary. Further along we encountered a swarm of bees that weren’t pleased with our presence and started to attack - after much confusion and scrambling over a barbed wire only Marcus was stung.

The next morning (after our daily fix of porridge) was the first day at work - we knew what we had to do but had no idea how utterly exhausting it would be. Hacking a 10 foot wide path into almost untouched jungle, cutting the trees to ground level, and then raking back all the leaves and vines in the hot Belizean sun was almost as much of a mental struggle as a physical one. Knowing there would be a packet of biscuits smiling up at you after a few hours made all the difference.

After the stress relieving aggression of a day slashing down the jungle, once the park was closed and Mike had ferried the last of the park wardens across the river on the winched raft we climbed to the top of the temple to watch the sunset and even practiced yoga in zen-like calm to stretch away the pains of the day. As the sun burst though the clouds above the jungle it was easy to see why the temple held such religious importance in Mayan times.

During the night when we were all nestled in our hammocks we were visited by what was presumed to be banditos but could have possibly been a tapir, and woken at 3:40am by Howler Monkeys roaring across the canopy.

The next day we were given a ‘guided’ tour by a man who was the real life version of Cleeveland from Family Guy. The tour comprised of us looking around the visitor’s centre and then being shown the different areas of Xunantunich on a model, even though if you looked out of the door you could see the ruins themselves. One of his more memorable quotes was “people often ask me where the reservoir is… it is now under the car park”.

To wash away the ridiculous amount of sweat (a sweat equivalent of a snow angel was even made), we went down to the river to wash with the iguanas and the fish that nibbled at our freckles and moles, whilst the passing traffic and villagers watched from the other side. The only downside was the mile walk back to camp.

For our final day in Xunantunich Boo and I got up to the top of the temple to watch the sunrise and got to watch a thunder storm with lightning striking the waking jungle.

We finished the boundary and celebrated with the ancient Mayan reward of rum and coke, followed by a ‘meat flavoured’ sauce and a trip into town, getting a lift across the river from some local lads in a sinking canoe.

Zinc oxide tape - £2.99
Machete - $40
Belize, sunset on top of Xunantunich - priceless

Belize - April Update

2009-05-11T11:47:00.003+01:00

Jungle Training

After being met at the airport by Al, the Expedition Leader, we headed out to Elijio Panti National Park visitor centre for the first leg of our jungle training. We were met by Boo, Oz, Cat and Antonio, the park ranger and rainforest encyclopaedia. If there is a tree plant or animal in existence in the forest, Antonio knows what it is. After the initial introductions had been made and a surprisingly civilised cup of tea drunk, we cracked on with jungle training. Our first course was Personal Hygiene and Heat Related Illnesses led by the team medic, Cat. In the lesson our complete lack of heat related illness knowledge was shown up but by the end we had become experts.

The next lesson was on the contents of the belt kit. The belt kit is the belt we have to wear at all times containing the things we use regularly and an emergency kit in case we get lost.

And so we spent our first night in our hammocks which passed uneventfully except for me falling out and ripping my mosquito net from its hangings and having to try to fix it in the pitch dark.

After 2 days we moved onto another part of the park and Boo took us through fire lighting which everyone excelled at bar Tom and I, who took so long to light a fire that Antonio had to build it for us.

The following day, Al, Our great leader took us through river crossings at the top of a huge cascading waterfall, at the bottom of which was possibly the most beautiful wash point ever! River crossings were very exciting even if it did feel slightly strange walking into a river in your full clothes and belt kit.

At 4am the next morning an emergency casevac practice drill was sprung on us and we had to Boo's (our snakebite victim) leg, simulate a radio call for a helicopter and carry him on a stretcher to the HLS (Helicopter Landing Site). All of which according to the instructors went very well.

Tino, our Jungle Warfare Instructor an the hardest man alive, showed us how to survive in the jungle with just our machete, including chicken slaughter and preparation (very grim), fire lighting, trap building and how to build a five star hotel room with nothing but a machete and some Kuhune leaves. As if the morning hadn't been stressful enough it was sprung on us that our last evening of jungle training would be spent alone building our own basha sites and cooking our own food.

To say the night passed eventfully is an understatement. Tino shot a 7 foot Fur-de-Lance, I thought I had got poison wood on me, but that turned out to be a false alarm, Tom continued where he left off and took half an hour to light his fire, but regardless of all of this, we survived and were very proud the next morning.

And so, despites Caroline's determination to cut herself on every surface, Tom's worrying obsession with his machete, my all encompassing paranoia of everything in the jungle, Oz's epic snoring, Lucy's relentless enthusiasm for nature regardless of it's ability to harm her. We passed jungle training.

Papua New Guinea - 1st 2009 Update

2009-02-17T17:32:00.003Z

The Team arrived in Port Moresby to a celebrity style receptions with a number of journalsts and photographers wanting to find out more about this group of crazy Brits who were coming over to live in the Jungle for up to 4 months!

The group then took a spectacular flight across the central highlands to LAE airport where theywere met by Trekforce staff and transported to Jungle training in the remote village of Gabensis. The team were really thrown in the deep end and their first night in the Jungle will be one that many of them will never forget. The next two days involved both lectures and practical sessions from Adam and Alex in Jungle Survival. The team then trekked deeper into the Jungle with local Jungle Guru Sam where they established a camp to begin phase 2.

Sam was a real encyclopedia of knowledge and taught everybody alot about Jungle plants and wildlife and their practical uses. There were many encounters of the creepy crawly king including Stick insects a multitude of spiders, Catapillers and the ever annoying mosquitos. One trekker also had a close encounter with a wild pig whilst trying out the new jungle toilet!

With Jungle training completed the team have really bonded, we are now all heading by boat to the tropical paradise of Salamaua before trekking to our project site on friday.

Next update due in approx 3 weeks so watch this space!

Adam

Expedition Leader Training - Month 1!

2009-02-05T12:30:00.005Z

The Welsh adventure of the expedition leadership course has been completed and we are about to depart to the polar opposite of extreme heat, humidity and all the hygienic unpleasaentries that ensue in such weather. It was somewhat surreal doing our Summer Mountain Leadership Training in 60-70 mph bitterly cold winds and the blizzards that have wreaked havoc upon on the rest of the country. We were not deterred by such trivialities and all successfully completed the intense one week course in the spectacular Snowdonia National Park. A variety of skills were leant, developed and put into practice over the week from macro/micro navigation, camp craft and rope work skills.

Our first 2 weeks prior to the training had been spent with the course instructor, Colin, or White Fang as he has been so endearingly been called. Colin ensured that we were up to scratch with our base skills by taking us into the mountains and doing his utter best to get us to pay attention long enough in a classroom environment. There has been a lot to learn and the realisation of the enormity of the responsibilities of an expedition leader encompasses has sunk in. One of the classes on the legalities of becoming a leader asked "is it worth it?" and the although the answer isn't a simplistic yes, it is certainly a resolute one and the enthusiasm that has been continually displayed by us all highlights our determination to become what we have set out to do.

A strong bond has developed between us all and I think we all shared some pre-training anxiety about those we would be spending an intimate amount of time with for the next 6 months. Luckily they were quickly dispelled with the first hand of cards in which abuse and banter was freely hurled around. Emma,the solo female in the group has coped very well in what is often a juvenile male environment and has bought radox and candles to compensate. Pictionary has become a new found favourite game though am still slightly bemused my Rob's and Henry's response to my picture of a tiger, Sri Lanka and men holding guns which they conjured up the answer of "Sri-Lankan tiger hunters"... the covert operations of the Tamil Tigers can be rest assured in their anominimity from the pair of them. But it has been a laugh a minute throughout the three weeks, but we have been suprisingly focused when the moment has required it... not sure Colin would entirely agree though... not that he hasn't joined in from time to time either!

So off we go to Belize. Crutch rot cream, bug spray and every other toiletry that will help with our comfort has been packed away. We're all excited about the next chapter of this course and what lays ahead, the new skills that will develop and I'm sure what will amount to an unforgettable experience.

Quick December Update - Belize

2009-01-15T11:24:00.001Z

Today is the last day before 2 of the group leave us tomorrow and the rest of the group head on to Guatemala. It's been a fantastic project and very successful. In all we found 9 caves with evidence of Mayan use and some very interesting Mayan pottery. One piece in particular, a ceremonial vase is of extreme interest to the Institute of Archaeology and the Director Dr Jaime Awe has send the vase to the top experts on Mayan artifacts in Mexico to be fully restored and translated. It will then take pride of place in the museum in Belmopan... when it is built!! :) It is also from around 200AD, much earlier than all other artifacts found in the area we were surveying so it has changed ideas about the period that the Mayans were active in the area.

Belize - November Update!!

2008-12-12T11:16:00.004Z

Jungle training

Jungle training began at Gracie Rock with learning essential survival skills such as Basha building, first aid and casevac training, dangerous flora and fauna, jungle navigation, belt kit packing and use, machete issue, use and sharpening. Team building exercises and jungle night walks also helped us acclimatise to jungle conditions and develop into a solid team.

We then trekked into deeper jungle to set up our jungle training camp. Here, Al, Adam and Javier (our ex-Belize Defence Force jungle warfare instructor / laughing jungle ghost cat) led us through a wide range advanced bush craft skills including planning and building jungle camps (with all the mod cons of a long drop, fire and slops pit, water collection and washing points), shelter, fire and trap building, cooking (including chicken killing and skinning). Training culminated in ‘solo night’ - an opportunity for each team member to individually put their skills to the test by each being given an isolated spot and surviving for an afternoon and night alone.

Everyone survived the night and we celebrated the completion of training with a night of apparent luxury (and debauchery) at our very own ‘Jungle Jim’s’ bar at Gracie Rock.

Project

With training complete, we headed to San Ignacio for our project briefing from Dr Jamie Awe - Director of the Archaeological Research Institute of Belize. Dr Awe galvanised the group with his explanation and images of Mayan history, spirituality, geological characteristics of Belize, past and current archaeological projects and the nature of caves and Mayan artefacts often found within. We were set the challenge of surveying the Peccary Hills area of Belize for any possible limestone caves - an area that is currently unexplored.

We immediately headed to the Peccary Hills, trekked into the project area and began of week of building one of the best jungle camps ever made. Once all basha’s, Pallapa’s, trails and camp mod cons had been built we began our project in earnest. This essentially involved selecting areas to investigate, trekking into those area’s and hunting for any possible cave entrances.

Within the first week we had discovered three separate and enormous cave systems. These have since been GPS marked, entered, explored, mapped and documented. These caves typically have small entrances requiring crawling on our stomachs through tight tunnels before they open out into huge cavernous linked cave systems. It seems the Peccary Hills are so riddled with caves they are almost completely hollow. Full documentation of the nature, geomorphology, characteristics of the caves and possible indications of Mayan inhabitation was made each night and has so far included a numerous animal bones, a possible Mayan cooking area parts of a possible Mayan necklace.

The group now has one more week on project to find any further caves in the area before setting off on Trek.

More news soon!

Trek Completed, Now Time for Some Well Deserved Rest and Relaxation

2008-08-18T04:20:00.008+01:00

Trek has been around the Chiquibul National Park and despite being in the middle of the rainy season, the group only had 1 night of rain! The dry weather meant that water was a little harder to find, so the route was changed slightly, but the guys still made it to Caracol on last day of trek to see the fantastic Maya ruins there.

This week the group has said goodbye to James, Kelly and Rich who have completed their expedition, but the rest of the guys are all headed to Caye Caulker for a weeks diving in the warm, crystal clear waters and a few cold beers!!

One of the water sources along the way.

Aching legs don't stop the team racing to the top of the ruins!!

Project Completed, Now onto Trek!!

2008-08-09T17:49:00.006+01:00

After 2 weeks of hard work by all the group we have completed all of the projects at Elijio Panti. We a new super-duper long drop. New steps down to the water fall and a changing room at the bottom of the steps for swimming in the waterfall. This really improves the facilities at the park and means that they can push for tourism to make money to support the protection of the park. Well done guys!!!

Team Gets Stuck Into Project

2008-07-30T17:56:00.005+01:00

The Team have thrown themselves into their project in the Elijio Panti National Park. On arrival special incense was burnt as an offering to the Jungle Spirits.

The Team digging the longdrop dug 5ft in one day;

Another group of trekkers started constructing the frame for a fire shelter;

Whilst another group was working on maintaining the steps which take you down to a beautiful waterfall;

As all this was going on the admin team whipped up a delicious lunch of tortilla and hummous!

The Team will spend a further 6 days at the waterfall site. They will then move up to the Cave site, where they will be making the steps that take you up to the Cave, an old Mayan offering site.

After that it is off on a six day trek through the rainforest...

2008-07-27T17:28:00.004+01:00

08B2 have completed jungle training and are heading off to project site …

After a rather wet ride from the airport everyone arrived in high spirits, met by their staff team. After an initial few days at Sylvester Village learning amongst other things first aid, camp layout and machete use the group headed out into the trees.

The first night in the jungle was quite noisy with the bugs, mosi’s and sounds of trekkers falling out of their hammocks! Soon getting the hang of jungle living the next few nights were a lot more comfortable. The group was treated with a visit from a troop of spider monkeys who dropped by to see what was going on.

The last day of jungle training was spent learning jungle survival skills with the help of Tino our Belizean Jungle Warfare Instructor. Learning shelter building techniques, water collecting methods and about the plants and animals the trekkers had a great day. The highlight for some being Sophie pulling the head off a chicken!!

As I type the guys are loading up their transport with all the rations and equipment they will need for the next two weeks on project site. The group will be undertaking important maintenance in the Elijio Panti National Park, including building a fire shelter, upgrading the step network, clearing some new trails and building a changing area at their beautiful waterfall.

Keep checking in to see how the guys are getting on ….

2008-07-01T20:48:00.002+01:00

Pirates of the Caribbean

With all PADI open water and advanced certificates gained the only thing left for 08B1 was to dress up as pirates (and parrots!) and sail off into the sunset! The guys had a great time diving seeing sharks, rays, turtles and a whole host of fish. As luck would have it, it was also ‘lobster fest’ Caye Caulker’s annual lobster festival whilst the group was there.

Fieldbase is currently putting the finial little bits together for the summer expedition - Trekforce Ceiba Creek …

2008-06-23T15:24:00.009+01:00

Last day at school

There were a few teary goodbyes as the trekkers waved farewell to their schools, host families and villages which have been their home for the past 7 weeks. They all did an amazing job with principles commenting on their hard work and the benefits of having them.

At Iguana Creek John and Tori completed their playground to the delight of all the pupils. One of the teachers Earl Said “we would never have had a playground if John and Tori hadn’t been with us, we are very grateful.” Tori also hand made a flag for the school which is now proudly raised on the flagpole every morning.

Clare and Sara were very sad to leave as they had become very close with their host family. They will be keeping in contact by mail to let them know what new adventures they have been on. Earlier in the week they put into practice the first aid skills they learnt in jungle training, when one of the children from their host family cut her leg badly on a piece of glass. They handled the situation brilliantly cleaning and dressing the wound and calming everyone down. A quick trip to the hospital and all was well.

The schools in El Progresso were over the moon with Sophie, Synnoeve and Aileen’s fundraising efforts. They managed to raise a whopping $2000. Aileen used some of the money to re-floor the three classrooms at St Peters. Normally the children suffer from the dusty concrete floor, but now they have brand new lino floor. Lily said “It was pretty emotional seeing how excited they all were about it, especially as we had fundraised the money for it”. Up the road the whole school came out to wave Sophie and Synnoeve goodbye and the principle was full of thanks for the fundraised money.

During the past week at Duck Run II Alex and Kieran have been really busy; Kieran finished laying the concrete for the raised walkway between classrooms and both lads worked on a playground, getting two towers and a wooden bridge up in just over a week! The school had their graduation on their last day and Alex gave a speech congratulating all the students and thanking them for their time at the school.

The students at Calla Creek got a treat when Eloise and Kat gave out letters written by children from Eloise’s Auntie’s primary school back in the UK. The children from their school have all written letters in return. On their last day the girls held a sports day, with sack and skipping races, the children had great fun and they both said it was great to finish on such a high. Eloise and Kat both received a thank you card, for all their hard work, signed by all the children at the school.

We’re really proud of all the hard work and effort the trekkers have put in during their teaching placements. The principles and students are all incredibly grateful for all that they have done. Pats on the back all round!

2008-06-12T23:26:00.009+01:00

Trekkers organising charity beer festival

Aileen, Synnoeve and Sophie are putting on a fundraiser this Saturday in the form of a charity beer festival. They are hoping to raise a good few thousand dollars for their schools. Aileen said “we are going to spend the money on renovating the school classrooms” Sophie added “also to improve the sewerage and toilet system”. Keep checking the blog to find out how the event goes.

Elsewhere teaching is in full flow…..

Eloise and Kat have there own little classroom which the children have decorated with all their work. They teach a small group from each class throughout the day, Infant I and II in the morning and Standard I and II in the afternoon. Kat say “Having a smaller group means we can make sure everyone understands what we are teaching”. After observing a morning class it is great to see how the children respond to Eloise and Kat and the progress they are making.

With all the rain we have been having their school was closed at the start of the week as the teachers couldn't get there! Returning on Wednesday Eloise said "It's sooo good to be back in our classroom. All the infants came up and hugged us, it was such a good feeling".

John and Tori's playground at Iguana Creek is coming along well. Even though it isn't yet finished the children are still lining up in their break time to play on it!

Alongside building the playground they have been assisting with classes and at the start of the week their school had a visit from the Minister of Education. John and Tori got the oppertunity to tell him all about what they have been doing at the school and in Belize.

In the near by village of Duck Run II Alex and Kieran have been busy with a mixture of teaching, football and building! They are helping their school by building a concrete walkway between classrooms. This will come in very handy as the rainy season is now upon us. In an inter school football tournament, which was held a few weeks ago, both the boys and girls teams triumphed over the other local schools. Alex and Kieran were there cheering them on and said they were really chuffed for the teams especially as they beat the teams from some of the other trekker’s schools!

Over at La Gracia Clare and Sara along with teaching have been taking the girls for football practice. Maybe they are hoping for a rematch with Duck Run II!

Sara teaches the infants she says that her knowledge of Spanish has come in very useful for explaining things that the children don't yet understand in English. Clare teaches some of the older children and is helping them to prepare for their exams. Both are extremely close with their host family, so close in fact that Clare says “It’s going to be so sad to say goodbye, I might try and sneak one of the kids home in my rucksack!”

The Teachers make an impact in first week

2008-05-09T18:29:00.005+01:00

The trekkers have just completed their first week of a two month teaching placement in the Cayo district of Belize. Their tasks and responsibilities have been wide reaching from taking full classes of 6 year olds, running an hour's PT lesson in the morning, helping the less able children with their reading skills, or helping out at the regional girl's football tournament in San Ignacio.

Kieran and Alex in Duck Run Two found themselves both teaching a lesson on fractions, to separate age groups. Kieran recalls "It was easier for Alex as he had an older group who had a grasp of the idea, whereas I had a younger age group and found it a bit more challenging".

The guys have already been involved with the local community during their first week, as Alex says, "There's a football pitch across from our school and we've found ourselves there every night training with the local team".

Lily, along with her teaching buddies Sophie and Synnove in El Progresso, have found their placements so far to be a real cultural eye opener. She says, "We don't have electricity at our homestay, there's 50 chickens in the garden and it's really hot! This morning we got up at 5:30am to go for a run and when we came back we did some sit-ups and the family's children were looking at us as if we're mad!"

Lily is also going to try to undergo some fundraising, as she says there are a lot of projects that the school wants to accomplish, but it is all hampered by the constraints of funding. She has also been running practice sessions on playing the tin whistle, which she has brought over from her native Ireland, and hopes that the children will be up to scratch before their Mother's Day performance this afternoon!

Tori in Iguana Creek School already fundraised money before she arrived for a worthwhile project for the school. Her teaching buddy John thinks he has come up with a 'super-duper' plan for an amazing playground he has designed using his new found building skills in the jungle phase of the expedition.

He says, "They started on a playground already and it is just a few chopped down trees stuck in the ground. I've designed a playground of monkey bars, slides and climbing bits for the kids, which will be a fantastic extra way for me to help the school. With the fundraised money Tori has, we can get proper tools and materials and make it so it will stay there for a long time".

The pair have also been writing tests this week for their classes on Geometry and Maths.

Check back soon for more information about how our teachers are getting on in their teaching placements....

Meanwhile in fieldbase, preparation is already hotting up for our July project in Belize in the Chiquibul national park.

Back from Guatemala, to teach in Belize

2008-04-28T16:46:00.001+01:00

For our Trekkers, the month of April has been filled with an array of cultural experiences and exciting trips during their Spanish language phase in Guatemala. Living in the town of San Jose on the banks of the Lake Peten Itza, everyone had another new wide-eyed experience, having been confined to the depths of the jungle for the previous two months.

Each morning, everyone has woken up to rice or tortillas, with beans (and eggs, if they're lucky) to start the day at 8am with 4 hours of one on one Spanish tuition. Some are quite advanced in their knowledge of Spanish, and others are learning "Buenas Dias" for the first time!

Their afternoons are filled with activities such as football with the locals,

visiting a local school, learning about Mayan medicine, taking part in the town's parade,

learning to make rope from bay palm, jewellery making, a boat trip, tortilla making, an archaeological tour, dancing lessons, or just swimming in the lake.

The Trekkers stayed with local families in the town, where they could practise their Spanish in a real environment and get to know more about the local way of life.

It has been a month of new experiences and learning a lot about Guatemala and the Spanish language (with a few parties inbetween....!).

Now, those who are continuing their Trekforce experience have arrived back in Belize, and are about to go through a week's teacher training programme, preparing them to be rurally placed in pairs around the Cayo district of Belize.

Chiquibul projects one their way to completion

2008-03-20T18:38:00.007Z

Trekforce North:

• Since completing their trek through the Maya mountains, the North Team are nine days into phase 2 of the boundary clearance, with nine days remaining until the Opening Ceremony (2:00pm, Tuesday 25th). Enjoying the added fitness since the trek and now expert machete skills, they are making faster progress, and have cleared to a point 7.4km from their start-point at the Macal River, with a further 4.4km of boundary line to demarcate, to complete their expedition objective.

• The dry season is well under way, and the water table in the western Chiquibul is receding beneath the limestone hills. On Saturday 15th, they moved their base-camp (BC) to grid reference: BP 767 669, midway between the east/west boundary line and a mediocre water source, discovered by a recce team and park rangers on Tuesday 11th.

• Tomorrow’s resupply will provide the team with two Millbank bags to filter the water (in addition to the usual sterilising treatment of Iodine and/or boiling),15 packets of Tang (fruit drink powder, to conceal its murky flavour) and as many jerry-cans of fresh water as they can carry, in addition to any letters and parcels sent from home.

• Water for washing is in short supply, and team members are putting their wet-wipes to hard use.

Trekforce South:

• …completed construction of the Ranger Station in time for the Opening Ceremony on Friday 14th. A British Army helicopter flew assorted dignitaries (Commanding Officer of the Belize Defence Force BDF Col Tapia; Deputy Chief Forestry Officer Marcelo Windsor; Natalie Rosado of The Nature Conservancy) and film crews from two Belizean TV news channels to the remote location by the Guatemalan border.

• The OC was also attended by TFW Country Manager, Rafael Manzanero (CEO of TFW’s project partner FCD) and senior Park Rangers. All those present thanked the volunteers for their outstanding efforts, and spoke of the huge contribution to the management of the Chiquibul.

• After the OC, when the helicopter had left, the team and less important visitors began the two-day hike out to Natural Arch, the location for the team’s rest day on Sunday. A Trekforce Landrover and BDF army truck will transport the team from there on Monday (17/3/08) to the start of their trek phase in the Eastern Chiquibul.

• They don’t know it yet, but after seven days moving south exploring this untouched region of forest, they will rendezvous with canoes and the equipment required completing the last 26km of their journey down the Raspaculo Branch of the Macal River over two days. HOW EXCITING IS THAT ?!

Teams Complete Mammoth Trek

2008-03-12T14:07:00.007Z

The North and South teams have successfully completed their crossing of the Maya Mountains in small groups over the last 2 weeks. With big smiles when they reached Caracol, the groups sat and watched the sun set after an amazing 9 day trek which saw them making their way through tough and untouched jungle.

Trekforce HQ is still waiting for images of the trek as all cameras are on project while the groups work hard to get ready for their opening ceremonies next week but here are a few for now....

Trekking is hard work. The volunteers must carry everything with them so they can set up camp each night...

Ice cold drinks are always a welcome sight after the Maya Mountain Trek...

The North Team celebrate at the top of Caracol...

Then the finale- watching the sun set over the jungle canopy and listening to the calls of primates and birds...

First Phase of Project Completed by North Team and South Team Get a Special Visit

2008-03-03T11:20:00.005Z

The North team have managed to clear the first 3.5km of the boundary line. With the first phase complete, the group are rewarding themselves with a trek to see a bit more of the rainforest. They headed to San Jose on Sunday 24th February where the trek started and they returned this weekend to begin phase 2 of the project which will be to clear the other 9km of boundary! Phase 2 will also involve the group finding water. It may be the rainforest but because the team are going so remote, they are yet to find easy access to a natural source. Belize Defence Force is currently delivering plenty of water to them in jerry cans until they find water of their own…All adding to a sense of adventure for the group!

Talking about a sense of adventure, we mentioned that the groups had a difficult time getting into their project sites on a previous blog? Here is what they had to contend with.....

The South Team have begun the construction work on project. The group have had a visit from 2 light engineers- members of Belize Defence Force who are assisting with the construction work. South Team also had a visit from country manager Greg, who flew in by helicopter with Brigadier, Deputy High Commissioner, Mr Manzanero (CEO of Friends for Conservation Development) and the Minister for Defence to talk to the volunteers and witness the exciting developments which Trekforce are proud to be a part of!

Jungle Training Week in Pictures

2008-02-14T15:53:00.006Z

This time last week, here is what the volunteers were up to...

The buddy system in action! The Trekforce Buddy System is all about trust...

River crossings are lots of fun and Trekforce show volunteers how to do it safely...

Josie, a Trekforce medic shows us a perfect example of a fire. Question is, did she light it herself?!

It's ok, they're just pretending! Volunteers learn about First Aid and CPR

Stretcher carrying is hard work, but the group work together to complete a search and rescue exercise...

Project Groups Chosen

2008-02-14T11:41:00.011Z

Sooner than expected we have had a call from the jungle! Country Manager Greg called us at 4pm UK time on Monday from the Trekforce Satellite phone to tell us that the volunteers had chosen their project groups and everyone was in good spirits after their first few days in the rainforest.

The Northern Project Group are:

Standing (L to R): Ian (AL) Lara, Jim, Tess, Alex McGee, Kat, Laura, Stuart, Dr Josh
Kneeling (L to R): Katie (EL), Eloise, Josie (Nurse) Clare, Sara

The volunteers’ main focus of the project will be to mark out the 13k boundary line for the National Park. This will include clearing jungle across tough terrain- A real challenge! The group will also record any notable flora or fauna they see along the way too. They could be returning in 2 months time having discovered a new plant or spotted a rarely seen frog!

The Southern Project Group are:

Standing (L to R): John “Boo”, Will (Staff Assistant), Alex McNichol, Nick, Kieron, Sully (EL), Simon (AL)
Kneeling (L to R): Lawrence, Sophie, Synoeve, Sam, Kat (Nurse), Vanessa

The group will be in the south of the Chiquibul National Park which is a largely unknown area. Farmers on the Guatemalan side of the border have been cutting jungle for farmland but this cutting is now encroaching onto the Belizean border and the Chiquibul National Park. If they keep going, the jungle will sadly be destroyed. The main aim of the project is to construct an observation post, accommodation and cooking facilities for national park rangers to inhibit these illegal activities effectively.

The groups had a slow and challenging journey onto their project sites, as the roads and jungle tracks were extremely muddy due to the rainfall they had had over the last few days. However, they made it! And apart from a few sore feet, the volunteers can’t wait to get stuck into their rewarding projects!

When we get the next report from the jungle we will let you know, but remember, no news is good news!

Trekforce HQ

First Week In The Jungle For Volunteers

2008-02-06T15:05:00.000Z

Volunteers headed to Belize on Saturday 2nd February to begin their gap year with Trekforce Worldwide.

The 25 volunteers are currently completing a week of Jungle Training where they have all been assigned a Trekforce Buddy. Their buddy, a fellow volunteer will make sure that their partner is drinking enough water and looking after themselves. They will also have the very special job of checking each other for bites and ticks!

The Trekforce buddy system works well on all of our expeditions whether for 2 weeks or 5 months and reinforces the high levels of safety we strive for. All trekkers can experience life in the jungle safe in the knowledge that they don’t only have expert leaders and medics on hand 24 hours a day but they also have their own personal support from a fellow volunteer.

The group are also spending the next few days in the rainforest learning how to survive in the jungle. This includes lighting fires, navigation, cooking, health and hygiene and first aid. All transferable skills the volunteers can bring back with them to the UK.

As the group are currently out of comms, Trekforce HQ has not received any images yet but we will get them up onto the blog as soon as we get them. In the mean time if you want to send any letters or parcels for them to receive when they get onto project you can send them to *insert volunteers name* Trekforce, PO Box 266, San Ignacio, Cayo, Belize, CA . Please be aware that it will take a while to get post in and out of Belize and you could be waiting at least 2 weeks for parcels and letters to arrive.

Watch this space for more information over the next few weeks.

Trekforce HQ.

Staff Arrive in Belize

2008-01-09T14:08:00.000Z

It's getting closer….! Staff are arriving in Belize to finish preparations for the 2008 Gap Year with Trekforce.

Tasks completed include checking the trek routes which the group will then undertake during their project, field base has been painted, medical kits have been prepared along with a jungle training location and local tradesman have met with logistics staff to go over the equipment and materials they will need to complete the projects successfully.

The Trekforce landrovers have been checked and are in full working order for the group arriving so goods can be transported in and out of the jungle. Our landrovers are a familiar sight around Belize and smiles greet anyone in them from locals who know about the work Trekforce do in Belize.

One of the biggest achievements since staff arrived in Belize was the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Trekforce Worldwide and Friends for Conservation and Development for the long term conservation of the Chiquibul National Park. The partnership will create a unified approach to conservation in Belize's largest national park, with Friends for Conservation and Development identifying vital projects, key to their management plan, and Trekforce providing the manpower and expertise to see the projects through to completion. The project sites have been set up in the North and South of the Chiquibul National Park, the 2 groups will have 2 months to complete an extremely rewarding and very important project.

Volunteers meet staff in Belize on 3rd February where the adventure begins!